I think this game can be easily broken down into two phases: first ten minutes, next 30 minutes.
First 10 minutes: Probably some of the best defenses I've seen in a while from both teams. And the worst offenses. 12 points total in 10 minutes (or something like that)? Really... wow.
Next 30 minutes: Now for the more entertaining part. I noticed a few things:
-Nolan and Scheyer played great. Especially Nolan. He was the only scoring when no one else was and everyone seemed to follow suit. Also, Nolan's D was absolutely nasty. The Zag's best player had a horrible game because of it. Clearly our player of the game. The way Nolan and Scheyer play off of each other and set each other for assists is one of the most beautiful things I've seen from Duke in a really long time. They really seem to love playing with each other. They were giggling and laughing when they were on the bench towards the end of the game.
-Ryan Kelly has some amazing basketball instincts. Despite not being able to jump as high as the rest of his teammates, the guy has a knack for getting blocks. It's uncanny - I thought he would never lead our team in blocks. I can't wait to see great things from him.
-Zoubs played well. Thomas play alright. However, Singler didn't have a good game. Here's what I noticed about Singler - he tries to take over games but can't seem to find "it". When the whole team was struggling, he kept shooting (and missing) and driving (and turning the ball over). Unfortunately, as much as I like him, I don't think he's the star player on this team. It's also debatable if he's the second best player on this team (I feel Nolan is more consistent). He is our most versatile player, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's our best player. He had a fairly poor offensive game, but at least his defense was great.
Anyway, that's it. Great showing by our team. I really hope Nolan and Scheyer play together like that more, because it really is some of the best basketball to watch when it happens. Plus, Nolan's smile is so damn contageous.
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club